Noise Level at Quick Lube Oil Change Garages?

[kingsfan]

My car needs an oil change. I've been taking it to a local mechanic I trust, but I have to walk through the garage to reach the office and pay when I pick up my car. I've already had too many exposures there to loud tools.

I was thinking about going to the dealership instead, since they tend to be the most ear-friendly. You just valet the car, wait in a quiet lounge, and then they bring it back to you. The downside is that they don't have any appointments until next month.

Now I'm considering one of those quick lube shops where you pull in and stay inside your car. Has anyone tried these? How loud is it inside the car? I'm a little nervous about whether they might be doing a tire rotation nearby, especially if I have to roll down my window to talk to the mechanic and risk exposure to another impact wrench.

 

[Joey72]

My car needs an oil change. I've been taking it to a local mechanic I trust, but I have to walk through the garage to reach the office and pay when I pick up my car. I've already had too many exposures there to loud tools.

I was thinking about going to the dealership instead, since they tend to be the most ear-friendly. You just valet the car, wait in a quiet lounge, and then they bring it back to you. The downside is that they don't have any appointments until next month.

Now I'm considering one of those quick lube shops where you pull in and stay inside your car. Has anyone tried these? How loud is it inside the car? I'm a little nervous about whether they might be doing a tire rotation nearby, especially if I have to roll down my window to talk to the mechanic and risk exposure to another impact wrench.

I didn't encounter a lot of noise while sitting in my car, although I don't think my tinnitus is as sensitive as yours. I still wouldn't recommend them, because I don't trust their work. For example, they left out six of the ten screws that hold the undercarriage cover. If I can't trust them with that, I can't trust them with putting the right oil in my car or tightening the oil pan plug or filter.

Can you find a dealer that offers pickup and delivery service to your home?

 

[kingsfan]

I didn't encounter a lot of noise while sitting in my car, although I don't think my tinnitus is as sensitive as yours. I still wouldn't recommend them, because I don't trust their work. For example, they left out six of the ten screws that hold the undercarriage cover. If I can't trust them with that, I can't trust them with putting the right oil in my car or tightening the oil pan plug or filter.

Can you find a dealer that offers pickup and delivery service to your home?

Yeah, I've never trusted those places either, but I'm now overdue and can't wait for a dealer appointment next month. I put it off thinking the dealer would be more expensive, but it turns out they actually aren't, at least for an oil change. I'm going to go there for my next change though.

I'm going to try a local tire shop today that also offers oil changes and has a waiting room that's shielded from the garage noise.

 

[Joey72]

Yeah, I've never trusted those places either, but I'm now overdue and can't wait for a dealer appointment next month. I put it off thinking the dealer would be more expensive, but it turns out they actually aren't, at least for an oil change. I'm going to go there for my next change though.

I'm going to try a local tire shop today that also offers oil changes and has a waiting room that's shielded from the garage noise.

Good luck. If I lived near you, I would do it for you.